Quite an extensive update from Siemens, about the progression of all Vectron homologation projects. First the big news, the first unlimited homologation is there. The Vectron is now fully approved for... Romania! A country, interesting for customers of the Vectron AC locomotive.

Homologation runs have already been completed for Germany, as have the network access runs for Austria. The homologation process for Switzerland, Italy and The Netherlands is also underway. - Siemens

Furthermore, preliminary homologation has already been issued in Poland and Sweden. In Poland, Vectron DC 191 951 and 952 are being tested extensively in both revenue passenger and freight services. In Sweden, Vectron AC 193 krupp_2884_02 is used for trials. Operators such as Rush Rail are fond of the new locomotive.

In Poland, it was able to pull a coal train weighing roughly 3,800 metric tons up a six percent gradient between Zawiercie and Warsaw without any problems. In a further test with 4,000 metric tons on level track, it reached a speed of 15 kilometers per hour after just 200 meters. The tests were carried out with Vectron DC 193 951, which has a service weight of 80 metric tons and tractive power rating of 5,200 kW. The locomotive is currently in service at DB Schenker Rail Poland under supervised operation as part of homologation activities.

In Poland, it was able to pull a coal train weighing roughly 3,800 metric tons up a six promille gradient between Zawiercie and Warsaw without any problems.

Its sister locomotive, 193 952, is also being used for the same purpose by PKP IC in intercity service between Warsaw and Kraków with a top speed of 160 km/h. The route is operated twice daily, covering a total distance of 1,250 km.

In Sweden, a freight train weighing roughly 2,300 metric tons was hauled up a six kilometer long 10‰ gradient. Vectron AC locomotive 193 krupp_2884_02, which has a tractive power rating of 6,400 kW, developed a constant speed of 40 km/h over the entire incline without the need for sanding. Preliminary homologation was issued for the Swedish network after the locomotive successfully completed testing under winter conditions in northern Sweden. The locomotive is currently in service on the route between Gothenburg and Sundsvall via Västerås. - Siemons